Effect of electromyography biofeedback training of the abdominal muscles on bladder function in paraplegic spinal cord injury patients

Introduction. To investigate the efficacy of biofeedback abdominal muscles training on the bladder control and the quality of life in paraplegic patients. Methods. overall, 60 male and female paraplegic patients aged 20–40 years were randomly divided into 2 groups. The patients in the study group were treated with abdominal muscles biofeedback strength training, and the control group received pelvic floor biofeedback strength training 2 times per week. The subjects in both groups were evaluated before and after the treatment by (1) measuring post-void urine residual volume, (2) overactive bladder questionnaire, the Arabic version. Results. There was a significant difference between the 2 groups. in the study group, the urine residual volume decreased to the normal range and the quality of life questionnaire score decreased, which showed good improvement. in the control group, there was no significant difference, with minimal changes: the urine residual volume was still high and the quality of life questionnaire score remained high. Conclusions. Abdominal muscles biofeedback training must be a main point in the bladder rehabilitation program for paraplegic patients as it decreases the urine residual volume and optimizes quality of life.